A couple weeks ago we went on a family vacation. I was given accommodations as a gift in exchange for giving my honest opinion. Ha, y’all know I would not give anything but an honest opinion. This was not just a family vacation but a FAMILY vacation. Along with our children who still live at home, we were blessed to have 2 of our married daughters and their families including our grandchildren joining us. It was great fun! And you can win a gift certificate to stay there too, keep reading …
We stayed at the Smoky Mountain Christian Village and it was the perfect place, especially for a group of families. There were 3 bedrooms with baths and each of us adult couples had our own room. The rooms were spaced out enough that we each had space and plenty of it. There were also a set of bunk beds in each room and a couple side rooms with twin beds and more bunks. One of the extra rooms with 4 bunkbeds also had a foosball table which was a big hit. I loved that the game room was off to the side and had a french door, closing off the noise if they got rowdy. I REALLY love the all together time, but I also REALLY love my getaway space so this chalet was PERFECT! Did I mention there were babies? And toddlers? And a couple in their teen years? And fun loving son-in-laws? And we had fun, lots of it. We all got along great because we could be in the middle of everyone or in our private space.
We referred to our chalet as a cabin, habit I guess, either way again I say it was perfect. These are the things I appreciated the most.
- huge great room
- private bedrooms
- BIG bathrooms
- wonderfully equipped, big open kitchen, we love to cook
- table big enough to seat all of us at one time
- secluded cabin
- short , “down the pathway” walk to heated pool
- never ending I mean NEVER ending hot water heater
- hot tub on the front porch which also had rockers, loved this!
- wonderful atmosphere
- lots of extras, heated pool, playground, mountain trails, all kinds of rec areas
- washer and dryer, thank you!
- only one tv and it was reasonably sized, makes for better fellowship
- no wi-fi, if you need it, bring a hotspot, again better fellowship without, there was excellent cell service if you need it
- this place was clean, clean, clean and well maintained
When we go to the mountains we don’t do lots of shows or shopping, we mostly spend our time in the National Park and sightseeing then come back and make a big gourmet meal and relax and rest and spend family time. Hubby read the bible to the youngins and the nightowls played cards and foosball till midnight. The location was perfect and if we had wanted to shop and such everything was nearby but not on top of us. If we had wanted shows, the office and friendly staff had recommendations and discount coupons. We actually had one rainy day and spent the entire day at the cabin/chalet and still had fun!
I really wanted to see some of the other lodges and chalets on the property and even take more pictures but honestly I was having too much fun, relaxing fun, not over busy fun. I am sure that was greatly in part because of the atmosphere of this place, it is peaceful, warm and welcoming. You can feel that Jesus is welcome here.
The Smoky Mountain Christian Village would be a great place for bigger groups, retreats, church groups, seminars, conventions and an incredible setting for weddings and receptions.
Ok, that was all the great practical stuff, now for the nitty gritty.
When folks come visit our farm they are amazed. Our home place is not perfect, it is always in a constant state of remodeling, and has a very interesting but criminal past filled with stories of moonshine stills and shootouts. Yet when folks get here they feel at peace. The reason is because Jesus is welcome here. Our home is bathed in prayer, daily, surrendered to Jesus, honest heartfelt, “we need you Jesus” prayer. It has nothing to do with us and has everything to do with Him. He brings that peace. That same peace resides at the Smoky Mountain Christian Village.
From thier mission statement and welcome letter they say they exist to fulfill Psalm 46:10,
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted among the earth.
They accomplish that and more. Wouldn’t you just love to vacation there yourselves? Well then this is your day because I am to please.
How about a giveaway of “buy one night, get the second free” along with 2 souvenir t-shirts from Smoky Mountain Christian Village. Please note this would be based on what’s available at the time the booking is made, for a 2-bedroom unit, up to 8 people.
Yes these are the same folks who share great stuff on their Facebook page everyday. You can contact them at 866-867-2971 for more info and reservations.
Ok, so who wants to win?
Team Southerland says
I would love to go here! We do a Team Southerland Summit at the beginning of every year and we haven’t decided where to go yet. This would be a fun place!
Brenda Schiesser says
I would love to take our family to this beautiful place in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Emily says
This wonderful story blessed me much. I exhort you for talking about Jesus and bathing you wonderful retreat in prayer. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and in due season, He will exalt you.” That is truly why there is peace and people who visit are blessed. May you continue to be blessed in all you do for the Lord.
Leigh Vipperman says
I would love to win this. Our family needs a little de-stress and unplugged time and I think this sounds like the perfect place! 🙂
Peggy Dender says
I used to live in Knoxville and have sooo many wonderful memories of our time spent hiking in the Smoky’s and of the people we met in the mountains and in the area. It has been my dream to move back to the Smoky’s to retire. It has been a stressful year and a half for myself and my family and the Smoky’s setting would be a wonderful place to relax, enjoy one another and God’s creation! :D!
Monica says
I enjoyed reading about your fun experience at Smoky Mountain Christian Village. Our family just got back from there. This was our 3rd stay over several years, and I can’t say enough good things about this place. Once we stayed there the first time, I’d never go back to a standard hotel again. It is awesome for our large homeschool family (12 children). I love the big fully furnished kitchen, and the washer and dryer. It is close to anything you’d want to do in the area, yet quiet, peaceful and secluded. The chalets are much larger than they look (we stayed in a 3 bedroom, but also looked at a 2 bedroom), and are very clean. The children love being able to be themselves and laugh and giggle without the usual worry of disturbing someone in a standard hotel room. All of the staff have been very friendly and helpful. We’re already looking forward to the next time we can go back!
Hal & Melanie Young says
Would love to win this — we need a break!
Penny says
y’all would love it!
Angela Wainwright Dill says
Sounds amazing and wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Connie Smith says
I need to come see my grandchildren in Townsend.. haven’t been able to come out there for over 8 yrs.
Kary C. says
We haven’t been to the mountains in several years. Only our oldest (11 yo) has seen the “real mountains” as they complain. 😉
Lisa Smith says
We love the Great Smoky Mtns in Tennessee. The upcoming holidays are going to be very tough for our family as my husband and I buried 3 of our parents in a 3 1/2 month time span this spring/summer. A trip away would be a blessing to our family.
Suzanne says
I always love relaxing in the mountains! 🙂
Marci says
We LOVE the mountains and want to go there whenever we can. This would help that to happen!!
Marcie Hadley says
I think this would be very good for my daughter and I.
Liz says
I need a vaction like nobody’s business! 😛
Nychole Ball says
this sounds perfect for my family. Thank you for your wonderful evaluation.